F-16 or other fourth-generation aircraft: Austin gave a forecast regarding the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine
It takes 18 months for modern fighter jets to be delivered to Ukraine, but it could potentially be more than just F-16s.
This was stated by US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin during hearings in the Senate committee.
Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal asked the head of the Pentagon about providing modern fighter jets to Ukraine. According to Austin, at this stage of the war, fighters are not critical to the armed forces.
– Regarding the F16 fighters, if this decision is made, it will take approximately 18 months to provide these capabilities. But this will not help the Ukrainians at this stage of the war. Can Ukrainians get fighter jets in the future? We all believe it is.
Potentially, it could be either the F16 or other fourth-generation aircraft. So we will continue to work with our partners to make sure that Ukraine has exactly what it needs, – he said.
The American minister added that currently the main need of the Armed Forces on the battlefield is long-range air defense.
– Now the main need of Ukrainians is anti-aircraft defense. This is a critical necessity on the battlefield. They also need long-range weapons and armored vehicles. And we provide them with a significant package of such opportunities. We also train them and guarantee the provision of the provided weapons, – he said.
Lloyd Austin added that the American National Defense Strategy “identifies Putin’s aggressive Russia as an acute threat.”
The head of the Pentagon reiterated that the USA will support the defense of Ukraine as long as it is necessary.
The hearings were devoted to the project of the American state budget for 2024.
